Luna Grill appoints former Taco Bell executive as first chief marketing officerLuna Grill appoints former Taco Bell executive as first chief marketing officer

Joanna Fantozzi

Luna Grill — the San Diego, Calif.-based fast-casual Mediterranean brand — announced the appointment of Billy Grenham as the company’s first chief marketing officer.

Most recently before joining Luna Grill, Grenham served as CMO for Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, and he also held leadership positions at multiple fitness companies. Grenham also served as head of global marketing and communications for Taco Bell from 2017 until 2019, and before that, was a brand manager for PepsiCo.

"Billy has a unique experience portfolio in lifestyle marketing and brand development for world class organizations such as Yum! Brands, PepsiCo, and CycleBar,” Luna Grill President Rich Pinnella said in a statement. “He is one of the most observant marketers I have ever worked with and understands how to make brands very relevant to current culture. These skills are invaluable as we expand our footprint -- The timing couldn’t be better.”

Luna Grill made this announcement after celebrating its 20^th anniversary and opening its 52^nd restaurant this year, with the goal of opening one restaurant per month in 2025. Luna Grill has a long-term goal of opening up more restaurants outside of California, with the hopes that Grenham’s appointment will be able to bolster that growth trajectory.

Related:Luna Grill names Tony Reaman CFO

When he was at Taco Bell, Granham led the global brand vision for Taco Bell International across 26 countries, and helped the division grow from 75 restaurants to now more than 1,000.

As CMO of Lazy Dog, he successfully launched the brand’s paid subscription membership loyalty program called Campfire Club, and helped to grow the Lazy Dog Beer Club to record-breaking numbers.

“I have been watching Luna Grill grow over the past few years and everything they stand for is spot-on, that good food that is good for you,” Grenham said in a statement. “Our consumer landscape is shifting to that direction and I’m so excited to be part of that shift.”

Contact Joanna at [email protected]